Airlines

IndiGo to Venture into New International Markets for Expansion

IndiGo Flight Tickets Now Bookable Through WhatsApp

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is set to focus its next phase of international expansion on lesser-known destinations while also increasing its presence in popular markets such as Singapore and Dubai.

This strategy was outlined by CEO Pieter Elbers during an interview with Reuters. The budget airline successfully ventured into Central Asia last year, launching flights to less-frequented cities such as Baku, Almaty, Tashkent, and Tbilisi, which are relatively free from major competition.

With more Indians eager to travel internationally and IndiGo set to receive its longer-range Airbus A321XLR planes next year, the airline aims to build on this strategy. In addition to this, IndiGo has announced a new codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL). This collaboration will initially enhance JAL’s connectivity into India, while future phases will offer IndiGo customers more options on JAL’s extensive domestic and international network.

“With the growing desire and aspirations of Indians to fly internationally, I think we have a great opportunity to also target lesser-known places,” Elbers said at the annual International Air Transport Association (IATA) meeting. He emphasized that while destinations like Singapore, Dubai, and Phuket remain popular, there is potential to add a new layer of destinations, particularly in Thailand and Central Asia. The A321XLR will also enable IndiGo to reach parts of Europe and further into Asia.

IndiGo, which reported a record profit of nearly $1 billion for the financial year 2023-2024, continues to deepen its presence in India, flying to 88 cities. The airline has also doubled its global network to 33 destinations from 15 over the past two years and plans to add 10 new domestic and international destinations this year.

Additionally, IndiGo offers connections to numerous European cities through its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines and has recently ordered 30 Airbus A350 wide-body planes, enabling it to reach destinations as far as the United States and Australia. Initially, IndiGo aimed to deploy 30% of its flying capacity into international markets by 2030, but Elbers indicated that this target will now be achieved sooner.

Airlines

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air unveils cabin crew uniforms

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new world-class airline wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has unveiled its first-ever fashion collection in collaboration with renowned Saudi fashion designer Ashi, founder of the Parisian couture house ASHI Studio.

The debut took place during Haute Couture Week in Paris, showcasing Riyadh Air’s new lifestyle collection for its frontline team members.

The exclusive fashion line includes dozens of looks for both men and women, with 15 designs revealed at the prestigious fashion event. The luxurious Riyadh Air concepts presented in Paris feature timeless cashmere outerwear, dresses, and trousers made from fine wools, custom leather footwear, amethyst earrings, and iconic pillbox hats.

Saudi fashion designer has taken inspiration from the 1950s

The collection draws inspiration from 1950s airline fashion, widely regarded as the ‘golden age’ of aviation, while incorporating bold, modern styling for a future-forward brand.

For the new fashion line, Ashi has cultivated completely new color tones for the looks,
including the chic and elegant Electric Amethyst for womenswear, and Dark Amethyst for
menswear, of which the full collection is scheduled for launch early next year.

The unique amethyst shades pay homage to Saudi Arabia’s stunning lavender fields and are rooted within Riyadh Air’s primary color. The Saudi fashion designer took inspiration from the
Riyadh Air aircraft livery to deliver completely bespoke colors for the new timeless
collection. They were also carefully designed to complement the cabin interiors which will
be revealed later this year.

Ten womenswear looks were showcased on the Paris runway, each of which were
complemented by accessories such as trademark shoes and hats. Five menswear looks
were also unveiled during the first-of-its-kind Haute Couture Week showcase.

Riyadh Air will take its first flight in mid-2025

The fashion collection, to be worn by Riyadh Air cabin crew, pilots, concierges, and airport
agents, can be changed seasonally, keeping the looks fresh all year round.

Riyadh Air is on track to make its maiden flight in 2025, revolutionizing the future of air
travel through a premium aviation experience for both guests and team members. With
an unwavering dedication to cutting-edge thinking and innovation, Riyadh Air aims to set
new standards in the industry.

Airlines

These are the Top10 World’s Best Economy Class Airlines for 2024

In an increasingly competitive aviation industry, the quality of an airline’s economy class can significantly influence passenger satisfaction and loyalty.

Each year, Skytrax, a leading global air transport rating organization, conducts extensive passenger surveys to determine the World’s Best Economy Class Airlines. These rankings are highly anticipated, offering valuable insights into which airlines excel in providing comfort, service, and overall passenger experience in economy class.

For 2024, Skytrax has unveiled its latest rankings, highlighting airlines that have demonstrated excellence in delivering exceptional value and comfort to economy class travelers around the globe.

10 Best Economy Class Airlines 2024

1.Cathay Pacific Airways

2.Qatar Airways

3.Singapore Airlines

4.Japan Airlines

5.EVA Air

6.ANA All Nippon Airways

7.Emirates

8.Hainan Airlines

9.Turkish Airlines

10.Saudi Arabian Airlines

Virgin Atlantic,Garuda Indonesia, Delta Air Lines, Air France, Fiji Airways, Oman Air, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, British Airways, STARLUX Airlines

Cathay Pacific has been honored as the World’s Best Economy Class Airline for 2024 by Skytrax, with Qatar Airways securing second place and Singapore Airlines claiming third. Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at Cathay Pacific, expressed gratitude for the airline’s customers, whose support propelled them from 8th to 5th place overall.

Lau emphasized that achieving a top-five position and securing the prestigious economy class award underscored their commitment to exceeding customer expectations. Looking ahead, Cathay Pacific remains dedicated to further elevating its service standards and aspiring towards industry leadership.